More than 100 activists and union supporters joined together with Unite Here Local 8 workers and union members to picket and persuade possible occupants to boycott the Hyatt. While the majority of activists continued a picket of the Grand Hyatt, a small group broke off and began a picket at the Olive 8, a new location for demonstrations in Seattle.

From the Unite Here Local 8 press release…

“Workers and community supporters continue to support Hyatt workers in a rally and picket line in front of the Grand Hyatt Seattle. Please join us!

When: Wednesday, July 8, 4:30pm – 6:00pm

Where: Grand Hyatt Seattle, 721 Pine Street

Background:

Workers at the Grand Hyatt at the Hyatt at Olive 8 called for a boycott in August 2013, and it is still gaining momentum in the community. So far, seven customers have moved events out of the Seattle Hyatts, the most recent being Lake Washington Girls Middle School. The Middle School moved within days of their event to support workers. The city-wide convention of the Specialty Coffee Association of America has altered plans to support the boycott. In addition, over 20 state representatives and senators and over 30 non-profits and community groups have endorsed the boycott.

After years of struggling for dignity and respect on the job, workers have called for a fair process to form a union. In July of 2013, UNITE HERE and Hyatt Hotels at the corporate level reached a national agreement on such a process, which has gone forward at other Hyatts in the U.S. So far, the local owner of the Grand Hyatt Seattle and Hyatt at Olive 8 has refused to implement the agreed elections process in Seattle.”